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Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs

Tender, juicy, and full of authentic flavor — these melt-in-your-mouth Italian meatballs are simmered in rich tomato sauce for the ultimate comfort meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 0.5 lb ground pork
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs Italian seasoned
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 2 eggs large
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • olive oil for browning
Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 14 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a bowl to make a panade.
  2. Add beef, pork, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
  3. Form into 1.5-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown meatballs on all sides.
  5. For sauce, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  6. Return meatballs to sauce. Cover and simmer 30–40 minutes.
  7. Serve hot with pasta, bread, or polenta.

Notes

For extra tenderness, don’t overmix the meat. Use fresh Parmesan and quality tomatoes for best flavor.